Suicidal thoughts

Help and advice if you are having suicidal thoughts, what causes them and what you can do now to help yourself.

Suicidal thoughts

Suicidal thoughts can occur when we feel too much pain without feeling that we have the resources to cope, but there are other ways to stop this pain.

You may believe that suicide is the only option left. Suicidal thoughts and feelings are very real and scary and can range from abstract thoughts about ending your life to making clear specific plans.

These feelings will pass and the thoughts you have are only thoughts – they are not necessarily true.

Causes of suicidal feelings

Suicidal feelings can affect anyone, whatever your background, gender, age or race. You may not be able to identify a single cause. Suicidal feelings are often caused by a combination of factors and may have built out a general feeling of worthlessness over time.

Men are more likely to die by suicide. Although the reasons for this aren’t clear, if you are a man you may feel pressure not to talk about your feelings and to cope without help.

Mind have a webpage specifically addressing the causes of suicide, including male suicide, which you may find helpful.

What can I do to help myself?

  • Talk to someone you trust.
  • Do something that will help you feel better right now.
  • Tell yourself about the good things you have done today.
  • Stop any risk taking behaviour.
  • Look after yourself physically.
  • Make your home safe – remove things you could use to hurt yourself.
  • Do not expect to feel okay all at once.
  • Remember this can happen to anybody.
  • Take hope – people do get through this.
  • Don’t keep these feelings to yourself.

If you cannot tell someone close to you how you feel, you can anonymously contact a confidential helpline:

  • NHS Direct: 111
  • Samaritans: +44 (0)8457 909 090 or email jo@samaritans.org
  • Papyrus: call +44 (0)8000 68 41 41, text +44 (0)7786 209697, or email Papyrus
  • Befrienders Worldwidecan help you find a helpline if you are out of the country
  • In an emergency, speak to someone now:
    Ask someone to phone 999.
    Alternatively, call trained Security staff on xx (or xx from a University extension)

 

If you have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life but do not feel you are at immediate risk, please do contact us so we can support you through this difficult time at Student Services. 

We also strongly recommend you see your GP as soon as possible.

If you are concerned that you cannot keep yourself safe then please do ask for help.

What we can do to help

Student Services offers a range of support that includes Wellbeing Advisors, Counsellors, and the Mental Health Advisory Service. To access any of these services contact the Student Advice and Guidance team. This is the entry point to speak to the Wellbeing Advisors, Counsellors, and the Mental Health Advisory Service and all our services are confidential.You can email the team on advice@liverpool.ac.uk, or call 0151 795 1000 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.